Brew Crew takes it to A’s again in four run 9-5 win at Coliseum

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Oakland A’s Daz Cameron (28) takes a swing against the Milwaukee Brewers at the Oakland Coliseum on Sat Aug 24, 2024 (Oakland A’s X photo)

By William Espy

OAKLAND–The Oakland A’s hosted the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday afternoon for the second game of the three-game series. After dropping the first game 11-3, the A’s desperately needed a stronger performance to get back on track. Unfortunately for the A’s they just couldn’t get tracked for the second game of the series dropping Saturday’s contest 9-5 in front of 12,769 fans at the Oakland Coliseum.

Joe Boyle started the game on the mound for the A’s, while Colin Rea got the nod for the Brewers, which marked the first start of his career against Oakland. Rea has played well so far in the 2024 season, as he came into the game with an 11-4 record.

Boyle had struggled so far this season, entering the night with a 3-5 record and an ERA of 6.21, but you wouldn’t be able to tell based on the opening inning, as it was three-up, three-down in just 1ten pitches. Center fielder JJ Bleday gave the A’s the lead in the bottom of the inning, with a two-out home run.

Willy Adames opened the second inning with a single to center, giving the Brewers their first hit of the game. The next batter, Jake Bauers would be walked putting runners on first and second with no outs. Rhys Hoskins would get a single, with a line drive right back up the middle that hit Boyle.

A fielder’s choice on a groundball from Garrett Mitchell would score the tying run and advance the other runners to scoring position. Blake Perkins would hit the ball to Max Schuemann at short, but the throw to first would be too late making it an RBI single, giving the Brewers a 2-1 lead.

The next batter, Joey Ortiz would draw a walk, once again loading the bases. Things had the potential to get out of hand very quickly for the A’s. Brice Turang would strike out, but Boyle would walk Jackson Chourio giving the Brewers a third run.

Contreras would ground out to short, allowing the A’s to stop the bleeding and get out of the inning. It quickly went from an A’s lead to a significant deficit. The A’s wouldn’t be able to get any offense going in their half of the inning, recording three straight outs.

Adames would draw the third walk of the game for the Brewers to start the top of the third. The next batter Bauers struck out, but Adames stole second base in the meantime. Hoskins and Mitchell would both strike out as well, getting the A’s out of the inning.

It took until the bottom of the fourth inning for the A’s to show more signs of life, as Brent Rooker got a leadoff double. It would be short-lived though, as that would be the only offense they’d get in the inning. In the top of the fifth, the Brewers would extend their lead with a two-run home run by Bauers that drove in Adames, making it 5-1. TJ McFarland would enter the game for the A’s to start the top of the sixth inning, ending Boyle’s night.

Rooker brought the A’s within two runs in the bottom of the sixth with a two-run blast of his own driving in Lawrence Butler, cutting the Brewer’s lead to 5-3. McFarland had a strong inning, but he’d only get one as J.T. Ginn came in for the top of the seventh.

Zack Gelof got things going for the A’s in the bottom of the seventh with a single, which led to him stealing second. With two outs in the inning, Jared Koenig came into the game for Milwaukee ending Rea’s night. Daz Cameron pinch-hit for Butler and a two-out double drove in Gelof making it a one-run game.

They intentionally walked Rooker, bringing up Bleday. After Bleday was called for taking too long to enter the batters’ box, Mark Kotsay came out of the dugout to have some words with the home plate umpire. He’d strike out looking to end the inning and the Brewers maintained a one-run lead.

The Brewers got another run in the top of the eighth when a two-out blooper to the outfield dropped between Nevin and Andujar while Bauers was on second base, allowing him to score. After an intentional walk, Michel Otanez entered the game to face Joey Ortiz with a runner on first and second.

Ortiz would strike out to end the inning and the Brewers had a 6-4 lead. Joel Payamps took over on the mound for the bottom of the inning. He’d get through the 3-4-5 spots without any trouble, and the A’s would have one chance remaining to get back into the game.

A groundball to third allowed the Brewers to extend their lead when the throw home wasn’t in time and Brice Turang scored from third. Chourio would then go on to score on a passed ball, extending the lead to 8-4. A bloop single from Hoskins drove in Contreras making it 9-4 in favor of Milwaukee.

The A’s got a run on the board with a broken-bat single by Rooker which drove in Gelof from second base and advanced Cameron to third base. That would be all they could get going though, as they’d fall by a large margin for the second night in a row with the Brewers winning 9-5.

The Brewers and A’s conclude this series Sunday afternoon for a 1:07pm PT first pitch for the Brewers RHP Frankie Montas (6-8, ERA 4.57) for the A’s RHP Joey Estes (5-6, ERA 4.44).

Bay FC podcast with William Espy: Bay needs to jell to stay in playoff hunt

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Bay FC Asisat Oshoala is expected to be one of the big star players in the NWSL (Punchng.com file photos)

On the Bay FC podcast with William Espy:

#1 Bay FC is playing Barcelona on Tuesday and it marks Asisat Oshoala’s first game against her former team. How important will that game be for her future performances? 

#2 Maddie Moreau had a strong performance in the Summer Cup, how should Bay FC proceed with her development?

#3 Bay FC has lost to Utah twice so far this season, considering the Royals have only won three games in total this season, what went wrong?

#4 Savy King is leaving the team to play for the United States at the U-20 World Cup in Colombia, how can they fill that gap for the time being? 

#5 Bay FC is currently in the final playoff spot, with just 9 regular season games left how can they hold off teams like San Diego and Angel City?

#6 The NWSL and the union have come to an agreement for a new CBA on Thu Aug 22. Could you please discuss some of the player benefits.

William Espy is a beat writer for Bay FC Futbol at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Hoskins belts 3 run homer with 4 RBIs as Brewers beat A’s in a landslide 11-3

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Oakland A’s Lawrence Butler (4) grounds out to Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Aaron Civale in the top of the fourth inning at the Oakland Coliseum on Fri Aug 23, 2024 (AP News photo)

Milwaukee (74-54). 050 200 004. 11 14 1

Athletics (54-74). 100 200 000. 3 6 2

Time:2:51

Attendance: 14,031

Friday, August 23, 2024

By Lewis Rubman

OAKLAND–Just when you getting used to tight, low scoring games, JP Sears, 3-2, 1.57 in last four starts, took the mound for the departing Athletics, got blown out after lasting a mere 3-2/3 innings, in a lopsided 11-3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in this Thursday night’s first game of a three game series between the NL Central leading Brew Crew and an Athletic team hanging by the skin of its teeth to fourth place in the AL West.

In that short stint, Sears threw 90 pitches, 56 of them considered strikes. gave up seven runs, five of them earned, on nine hits, one of them a three run four bagger by Rhys Hoskins that put the visitors ahead 3-1 in the top of the second.

That one run on the A’s side of the ledger had come on Lawrence Butler’s leadoff homer in the first, a 401 foot blast to center, his 14th round tripper and 42nd RBI of the year. The. A’s managed to score only two more runs.

They came in the bottom of the fourth, matching the two tallies Milwaukee had put up in the top of the frame. The Athletics’ offensive swan song came on back to back singles by Sean Langeliers and Seth Brown, walks to Zack Gelof, and a ground out by Butler.

He and Brown got the RBIs. Sears took the loss, which left his season’s record at 10-9, 4.35). The A’s sent two more hurlers to the mound. Ross Stripling staunched the flow of Brewers crossing the plate, holding the 16 batters he faced to two hits and another pair of free passes while striking out four in his 5-1/3 innings on the mound.

This was his second relief appearance of the year, and it gave him a total of six innings in that role this year, in which he has allowed but one opponent to score. You couldn’t really say that Dany Jiménez relieved Stripling, but he did follow him to face the visitors in the top of the ninth. His 32 pitch effort allowed four more of Milwaukee’s maulers to cross the plate.

It wasn’t as if the Brewers’ starter, Aaron Civale, outpitched Sears. The 29 year old righty who makes his home in Boston last only a third of an inning longer than Sears. 20 A’s hitter for four runs, three earned, on four hits, including Butler’s wasted home run.

Four Athletics reached on walks, against three who struck out. Civale threw 82 pitches; 50 went into the book as strikes. In spite of his escape with a no decision, Chivale’s earned run average rose to 4.84. That figure incorporated his 5.07 ERA earlier in the season with Tampa Bay.

Back to back homers by Rhys Hoskins, who had been suffering through an 0-21 draught before Friday night and Joey Ortiz sparked the Brewers’ five run second inning that basically put the game on ice.

Bryan Hudson (6-1, 1.87) got the win for the Brewers with two perfect innings. Joel Payamps, Trevor Megill, and Joe Ross shut out the A’s in an inning apiece, with Ross allowing the only baserunner, Seth Brown, who singled to right center to lead off the ninth.

Saturday, Joe Boyle (3-5, 6.21), who was hot in his last outing, will try to cool down the beer meisters, who will send Colin Rea (11-4, 3.52) to the mound against them. First pitch 1:07pm PT at the Coliseum.

Giants blow 5-1 lead, as Mariners come back with four runs off Tyler Rogers in eighth and win 6-5 in 10

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San Francisco Giants Michael Conforto (right) claps after hitting two run home run Seattle Mariners Cal Raleigh (left) wipes his eyes in the top of the fourth at T Mobile Park in Seattle on Fri Aug 23, 2024 (AP News photo)

Friday, Aug. 23, 2024

T-Mobile Park

Seattle, Washington

San Francisco Giants 5 (65-65)

Seattle Mariners 6 (65-64)

Win: Collin Snider (3-2)

Loss: Erik Miller (3-5)

Time: 3:05

Attendance: 38,762

By Stephen Ruderman

SEATTLE–The Giants had a 5-1 lead in the eighth inning, but Tyler Rogers gave up four runs in the bottom of the eighth, and the Mariners came back to win the series opener in Seattle 6-5 in what was no doubt the worst loss of the season for the Giants at T Mobile Field on Friday night.

The Giants were looking to bounce back after an embarrassing loss to the historically-bad Chicago White Sox on Wednesday at Oracle Park, in which the Southsiders scored four two-out runs in the top of the ninth inning. With 33 games remaining, the Giants came into Friday night four games back of the Braves for the third wild card spot in the National League.

The Giants came into Seattle as the Mariners were in the midst of chaos. The Mariners fired their manager, Scott Servais, on their off day Friday after they lost eight of their last nine games. Servais was notified of his dismissal by news alert while watching TV. Mariners Hitting Coach Jarret DeHart was also fired.

On June 18, the Mariners were 13 games over .500 at 44-31, and they led the American League by ten games over the Houston Astros. They have since gone 20-33 to be knocked all the way back down to .500, and they have lost their AL West lead and are five games back of the Astros.

Servais had managed the Mariners since 2016, and he had accumulated five winning seasons in his eight full years in Seattle. He also got the Mariners to the Playoffs in 2022, their first postseason appearance since their historic 116-win season of 2001.

Former Mariners’ catcher Dan Wilson will take the reins for Seattle the rest of this season. Hall-of-Famer Edgar Martinez will take over as interim hitting coach.

What also made it interesting that the Mariners fired their manager with the Giants in town was the fact that Bob Melvin returned to where his managerial career started. Melvin took the Mariners to a 93-69 record in his rookie managerial season of 2003, but they fell to 63-99 the following year in 2004, and Melvin was shown the door.

It was a cold and rainy day here in Seattle, as a rare summertime low-pressure system came down from the Gulf of Alaska. It was equivalent to a winter’s day in the Bay Area with rain and a high in the low 60s. Usually when there’s rain, there’s a threat to the game, but thanks to the roof over T-Mobile Park, there was never a question about it.

This would be a matchup between two teams that are so similar in many ways. They both have offenses that can’t come through with runners in scoring position, and they both rely on their starting pitching to get them through games.

Despite the fact that the roof was closed and that the cold air was seeping in through the sides, the ball was carrying tonight. That would prove to be a factor almost immediately.

Mariners’ starter and former Giants’ farmhand Luis Castillo struck out Tyler Fitzergald to begin the game. LaMonte Wade then stepped up and seemed to get underneath one into straight-away center field, but it kept carrying, and it sailed over the glove of the leaping Julio Rodriguez and over the wall for a home run.

Hayden Birdsong made the start for the Giants. Birdsong had a solid outing on Sunday in Oakland following a pair of rough starts. As Birdsong looked to build on his last start, he would be throwing to a new catcher in Andrew Knapp, who the Giants signed to a major league deal Friday. Birdsong issued a one-out walk in a scoreless bottom of the first inning.

Both pitchers threw one, two, three innings in the second, and Castillo threw a one, two, three top of the third. Birdsong would then give the Mariners a rally for free in the bottom of the third.

Birdsong walked Leo Rivas with one out, and he followed that by hitting Luke Raley. The always-dangerous Julio Rodriguez came up, and he flew out, which moved Rivas to third, and then Cal Raleigh walked to load the bases for Randy Arozarena.

Arozarena hit a pop-up to the left side of the infield on the infield grass. Third-baseman Matt Chapman and shortstop Tyler Fitzgerald came together and nearly collided. Fitzgerald made the catch, and Chapman nearly knocked it out of his glove. It was a crazier play than it needed to be, but Birdsong was able to get out of the inning without any damage.

Heliot Ramos singled to center with one out in the top of the fourth, and that brought up the Seattle native, Michael Conforto. In his return to his hometown, Conforto hit a two-run home run to center to make it 3-0.

Birdsong walked Jorge Polanco to start the bottom of the fourth. Birdsong had yet to give up a hit in this one, but he had already walked four guys now. Former Giant Mitch Haniger then got the first hit of the night for the Mariners with a base-hit to left.

The Mariners wasted an opportunity in the bottom of the third, and now they had runners at first and second and the tying run up with nobody out in the top of the fourth. Giants’ fans always ask the question of “how will they waste this one?” Well, Mariners’ fans ask that same question.

Dominic Canzone and Josh Rojas both flew out to left. Leo Rivas came up and worked the count full. Birdsong then threw a fastball right at the top of the zone that Home Plate Umpire Laz Diaz liked and rang Rivas up on to end the inning.

That would also end the night for Birdsong, who threw 80 pitches. Birdsong gave up just one hit and struck out five over four shutout innings, but his four walks upped his pitch count. What really got him was the fact that of his 80 pitches, 41 of them were balls, and 39 were strikes. He just didn’t have his control.

The Giants wasted a one-out double by Grant McCray in the top of the fifth, and Sean Hjelle was brought in for the bottom of the fifth. The Mariners got on the board when Luke Raley hit a home run to left-center to leadoff the inning. Hjelle walked Julio Rodriguez, but then retired the side in order, though two of the outs were to the warning track.

Wade doubled to lead off the top of the sixth, and that brought up Heliot Ramos. Ramos took a slider at the knees from Castillo and gulfed it into the second deck out in left to make it a 5-1 game. For Ramos, it was his 19th home run of the season. The Giants were once again relying exclusively on home runs, and every run in this game had scored on a home run at this point.

Luis Castillo went six innings; didn’t walk a guy; and struck out nine. That is usually the stuff of great outings, but the three Giants’ home runs were the real story for Castillo Friday night.

Left-hander Taylor Rogers pitched a scoreless bottom of the sixth. Landen Roupp, who was pitching for the first time in nine days, pitched through a rally to get out of the bottom of the seventh unscathed.

Thairo Estrada led off the top of the seventh with a double off Troy Taylor, and the Giants loaded the bases, but with how home run happy they are, they were of course unable to come through. Gabe Speier then struck out two in a one, two, three top of the eighth.

Melvin interestingly brought in Tyler Rogers in a 5-1 game for the bottom of the eighth. You usually don’t see the eighth-inning guy come in for a four-run game, but Rogers was not surprised that he was brought into the game.

The first batter Rogers faced was Jorge Polanco. Polanco hit one into the hole on the left side of the infield. Chapman slid to his left from third to get it, but his throw was too high and pulled LaMonte Wade off the bag at first.

Haniger singled the other way to right to move Polanco over to third, and Justin Turner singled to left to score Polanco and make it 5-2. Josh Rojas lined a base-hit to right, which scored Haniger to make it 4-3. Leo Rivas also lined a base-hit to right to knock in Turner, and suddenly, it was 5-4.

Rogers was just trying to get an out at this point. Leadoff man Luke Raley came up, and he blooped a single to left, which scored Rojas to tie it. The Mariners had come all the way back with four runs, and there were still nobody out. At that point, all Melvin could do was pull Rogers for Ryan Walker.

“I figured Tyler [was] going to at least an out,” Melvin said after the game.

Walker, who has taken over as the interim closer with Camilo Doval down in Triple-A, really put out the fire. The Mariners had scored four runs to tie it, and they had runners at first and second with still nobody out. Walker retired the side in order with a pair of strikeouts to send this game to the ninth tied at 5-5.

Andres Munoz struck out the side—all swinging—in the top of the ninth, and Walker did the exact same—all swinging as well—in the bottom of the ninth. Walker, who was born and grew up in nearby Arlington, Washington, really gave the Giants what they needed by eating up two innings; retiring all six men he faced; and striking out five.

The game went into extras, as Collin Snider came in for Seattle in the 10th, and Knapp was the runner at second for the Giants. Tyler Fitzgerald led off the inning with a line drive to center, but Julio Rodriguez made a slick diving catch to rob Fitzgerald of a base-hit. It was a catch that proved to demoralize the Giants.

Dan Wilson opted to have Wade walked intentionally to face Ramos, which seemed like a bit of a gamble. However, it paid off, as Snider struck Ramos and Conforto both out swinging.

Erik Miller was brought in for the Giants in the bottom of the tenth with Turner being the runner at second. Miller struck Josh Rojas out swinging, but pinch-runner Dylan Moore stole third, which seemed to catch the Giants off guard. Leo Rivas was the hitter, and he flipped a base-hit to center to win it.

Collin Snider got the win, and Erik Miller took the loss. This was the worst loss of the season for the Giants, who fall back to .500 at 65-65, as well as five back of the Braves for the third wild card with 32 games to go. There is no other way to say it.

However, it was a desperately needed win for the Mariners. Firing a manager during a slump while you’re still on the outskirts of contention is always a gamble. A struggling Mariners’ offense coming back from down four runs late to win could be just the kind of win they need to turn it around.

The Giants will look to bounce back tomorrow with Blake Snell (2-3, 3.67 ERA) on the bump, and hope that he can continue his historic stretch. George Kirby (9-9, 3.40 ERA) will go to Seattle.

The rain is expected to persist into the morning and possibly early afternoon Saturday, but it should taper off as the day goes on. Don’t be surprised if the roof is closed again Saturday. First pitch will be at 1:10 p.m.

National League Wild Card Standings:

  1. Diamondbacks 73-56 +3.5
  2. Padres 73-57 +3.0
  3. Braves 69-59 —

Mets 67-62 2.5

GIANTS 65-65 5.0

Cardinals 64-64 5.0

Cubs 64-65 5.5

San Francisco 49ers game wrap: San Francisco Ties Raiders In Wild Finish 24-24

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) rolls out to make a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Fri Aug 23, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco 49ers played their final pre-season game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Friday night. San Francisco led for most of the game with the Raiders leading only once in this contest.

The Raiders had a great opportunity in the third quarter having a first and goal on the four yard line but failed to score. With under two minutes left in the game, the Raiders again had a great opportunity and drove downfield kicking the tying field goal by kicker Daniel Carlson with 16 ticks left on the clock. The game ended in a 24-24 tie.

Friday night’s game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Las Vegas Raiders may only be a pre-season game but it does have huge implications for many of the players on the field Friday night.

Both of these teams will have to cut their roster to 53 by the end of next week and so it is imperative that every one of these players put forth their best efforts if they are to realize their dream of an NFL career.

For many of these players this is their super bowl. Front offices across the nation will be watching looking to bolster their final rosters with additional talent. This could be the last chance for many of these players to show-case their talent and just maybe earn a spot on an NFL team.

The 49ers will get to see starters in this game although a handful did not play tonight. Brock Purdy, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel all took the field in this game. This will be the first time the 49ers have been back to Allegiant Stadium since the (SBB) Super Bowl Bummer earlier this year.

Last season, the San Francisco 49ers were dominant and they look to be even stronger this coming season. Last season they had two MVP frontrunners while most other teams barely had a single hopeful that’s just how good this team is.

The opening quarter was successful for San Francisco taking a 10-0 lead over the Raiders. Brock Purdy played some snaps in the first quarter and finished 9 of 12 for 96 yards and one interception.

Jake Moody had spear-headed the San Francisco scoring in the opening quarter with a 49 yard field goal at 12:59 giving San Francisco the early 3-0 lead. The Niners would extend their lead when Jordan Mason rushed for four yards with 3:33 left in the quarter giving the 49ers a 10-0 lead.

Las Vegas wide receiver Tyriek McAllister answered in the second quarter with a 81 yard punt return for the touchdown. The extra kick by Carlson was good and Las Vegas was back in this game trailing 10-7.

Less than a minute later, San Francisco scored their second touchdown of the game. Patrick Taylor Jr. rushed for three yards, the extra point was good and the 49ers had taken a 17-7 lead. With 13 ticks left on the clock until the half, the Raiders Kristian Wilkerson caught a three yard pass from quarterback Nathan Peterman and the score was 17-14 in favor of the 49ers at the half.

The third quarter was a wild affair with the two teams trading leads. The Raiders took the lead at 11:30 when quarterback Carter Bradley found McAllister for 35 yards giving Las Vegas their first lead of the game 21-17.

The Raider defense kept San Francisco out of the end zone for the next ten minutes of the quarter hanging onto the lead. With 1:55 left in the third quarter, the 49ers offense wore down the Las Vegas defense scoring a passing touchdown. Joshua Dobbs found Jacob Cowing for 10 yards and the touchdown. San Francisco had taken back the lead 24-21 going into the fourth quarter.

When it looked as if San Francisco would win this game, the Raiders got their hands on the ball with under two minutes left in the game and drove downfield to within Daniel Carlson’s range. Carlson tied up the game with a successful 43 Yd Field Goal and this game would end in a tie 24-24 in one crazy game. What a way to end a pre-season game for both teams.

The season will get underway for the 49ers on Monday Night Football September 9th when San Francisco will open at Levi’s Stadium taking on the New York Jets. Kickoff for that game is scheduled for 5:20 PM and will air on ABC/ESPN/ESPN+.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Raiders McAllister scores big return; Carlson boots field goal for 24-24 draw with 49ers

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The Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyriek McAllister (32) returns a 81 yard punt in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Fri Aug 23, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich:

#1 Last week when the Raiders took a 27-12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys their quarterbacking was suspect. Friday night against the San Francisco 49ers a closer game with Raiders quarterback Carter Bradley under center was this the best game you have seen for a Raider quarterback this pre season?

#2 Bradley was 9-21, 169 yards and threw for a touchdown and kept the Raiders in the game pretty much most of the way.

#3 Rich talk about some of the scoring in this game from the Raiders starting with the Raiders Tyreik McAllister returning a 81 yard punt in the second quarter that was a return that inspired this team tonight.

#4 Going into the fourth quarter the 49ers looked like they were going to finish this game a winner leading 24-21 but with 16 seconds left the Raiders kick Daniel Carlson booted a 43 yard field goal to tie it up 24-24 for the final score.

#5 The Raiders now open the season at So Fi Stadium Sun Sep 8th in the Southland. The Raiders taking on rival the Los Angeles Chargers. How important how big is this one for the Raiders to get the opener in the win column under their belts?

Rich Perez does the Las Vegas Raiders podcasts after each home and away game at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Aces Get Outplayed by Minnesota Lynx In Second Half Losing 87-74

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Las Vegas Aces forward Alysha Clark (7) looks to pass the ball against the Minnesota Lynx at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Fri Aug 23, 2024 (Las Vegas Aces.com photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (17-11) were tied with the Minnesota Lynx (21-8) after the first quarter and trailed by a single point at the half 40-39 but were outplayed by Minnesota in the second half. They got within four points in the fourth quarter but the Lynx refused to back down continuing to hit shots from downtown. It was raining three’s for the Lynx and Nephessa Collier set a career high 18 rebounds. They proved to hot to handle for the Aces as the Lynx went on to win the game 87-74.

Game recap: After the first ten minutes of play this game was tied at 18 apiece. The Lynx rallied in the second quarter taking a 31-24 lead on the strength of their shooting ability from downtown.

They really have a talent for spreading the floor forcing the Aces to leave opponents open to shoot those long balls that are so successful for Minnesota. As the second quarter began to wind down, the Aces had taken a 35-31 lead.

Minnesota took back the lead and at the half the score was 40-39; and Nephessa Collier had her 14th double double with ten rebounds and 15 points. She was the only player from either team in double digits.

The Aces were still waiting on Jackie Young to get going after a huge game last Wednesday night in which she scored 26 points. Las Vegas would need a huge game from all of their starters if they hoped to pull this game out.

Minnesota wasted no time in the third quarter pulling a 46-41 lead early and they did not stop there. They were completely dominating the quarter taking a 62-45 lead with two minutes left in the third. Minnesota’s Nephessa Collier continued to dominate going 9 of 11 from the floor and the Aces could not stop her.

Collier already had 16 rebounds while the Aces only had 13 collectively. Las Vegas was losing on both ends of the ball. As the third quarter came to an end, the Aces were trailing by eleven points 65-54, after having trailed by as much as 17 points.

Las Vegas had a huge mountain to climb going into the fourth quarter. They have already fallen into 5th place in the league standings and they don’t want to lose more ground with a loss Friday night.

Minnesota had outscored the Aces in the third quarter 25-15. Las Vegas was making some uncharacteristic mistakes born of the frustration that they were all feeling. The Aces continued to fight playing some very physical and aggressive basketball only trailing by five points 67-62 with a lot of time still left on the clock.

With over six minutes left in the game a door had opened for Las Vegas. The Aces continued to leave wide open shots from downtown for the Lynx and watched their four point deficit grow.

Mid-way through the final quarter Minnesota had hit eight shots from downtown and the Lynx had pushed back their lead to nine points 76-67 after Las Vegas had pulled to within four points. With 3:45 left in the game, the Aces were running out of time. The Aces could not handle the offensive onslaught of the Lynx as they continued to dominate losing to Minnesota 87-74.

A’Ja Wilson was the high for the Aces with 24 points but she could not will her team to a win. Jackie Young did have double digits with 12 points but her team needed a whole lot more. Kelsey Plum had 11 but again it was just not enough. Right now it really looks like Minnesota is the team to beat this season.

Game notes: Wednesday night the Las Vegas Aces (17-11) lost to the Minnesota Lynx (21-8) in game one of their back to back games. Friday night, the Aces were looking for a little payback again taking on Minnesota. The only problem is that Las Vegas lost at home and tonight they were playing in Minnesota. It was very tough play calling as the Lynx and their fans base at Target Center were quite vocal.

The Aces will play another road game on Sunday taking on the Chicago Sky. The Sky come into this game after a tough two point loss to the Connecticut Sun 82-80 Friday night. Las Vegas will be looking to get back on the winning track after dropping their last two games.

Bay FC falls short against Utah Royals 2-1; Four loss for Bay in last 5 games

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Bay FC forward Racheal Kundananji takes off down field against the Utah Royals at America First Field in Sandy UT on Fri Aug 23, 2024 (photo from Bay FC X)

By William Espy

Bay FC’s inaugural regular season continued after the Olympic break and Summer Cup with a match against the Utah Royals on Friday night. Entering the match, Bay FC found themselves sitting in the final playoff spot for the time being, while Utah was last in the league. It turned out to be another tough night for Bay losing their fourth in their last five games 2-1 at America First Field in Sandy Utah.

After a strong Summer Cup though, the Royals were looking to get things on the right track for the remainder of the season. It was another battle of the top two picks in the 2024 NWSL Draft, which will now be known as the final draft in league history as Ally Sentnor and Savy King took the field against one another just days before they become teammates for the United States U20 team.

Bay FC Starting XI: Rowland, King, Beattie, Menges, Dydasco, Bailey, Pickett, Castellanos, Kundananji, Boade, Hill

Utah Starting XI: Haught, Griffitts, Del Fava, Riehl, Pogarch, Tejeda, Zornoza, Tanaka, Sentnor, Monaghan, Betfort

Just 30 seconds into the game, Rachael Kundananji went down in considerable pain after getting her toes stepped on and received medical attention just moments into the match. She would remain in the game though after a short delay.

In the sixth minute, she’d get Bay FC their first opportunity of the night after a strong run into the box which ultimately ended with a shot by Dorian Bailey. Katelyn Rowland got tested for the first time in the 10th minute when Hannah Betfort took the ball from her own end of the pitch into Bay FC’s box and fired a shot on the Bay FC goalkeeper who made the save.

Jen Beattie made a few mistakes in the opening minutes of the match, but seemed to get stronger as the game went on denying Sentnor of a scoring chance in the 12th minute. Tess Boade got her first chance in the 13th minute after a phenomenal run that resulted from a perfect through-ball from Kundananji, however the shot would go just wide.

Kundananji seemingly gave Bay FC the lead in the 18th minute, however, Mandy Haught’s clearance attempt hit her in the hand and it was ruled a handball so the game remained 0-0. Rachel Hill nearly got on the board in the 23rd minute, but the long shot was deflected out for a corner.

Overall, Bay FC was clearly the better team in the first 25 minutes, maintaining 65% of possession but the game was still scoreless. Betfort and Beattie collided at midfield around the half-hour mark, leaving Betfort in major discomfort but she remained in the game. It remained a 0-0 heading into the break, as neither team had been able to break the deadlock.

Paige Monaghan gave Utah the lead just moments into the 48th minute, with a shot just outside of the box. Rowland nearly got a hand on it, but her reflexes were just a millisecond too late. Once again, Utah was leading over Bay FC who for whatever reason had been unable to score against the Royals up to this point in the season.

Emily Menges’s own goal gave Utah a 2-0 lead. It was a disastrous opening to the second half for Bay FC, and now they had a major uphill battle to get back into the match. Bay nearly got on board in the 58th minute but Mina Tanaka swept it away on the goal line.

Tanaka exited her NWSL debut for Cloe LaCasse to make her Utah debut in the 60th minute while Amandine Henry entered for Zornoza. Alyssa Malonson and Asisat Oshoala entered the match for Deyna Castellanos and King in the 66th minute.

Betfort got behind the defense in the 69th minute, but Rowland came well out of the box to beat her to the ball and clear it out for a throw-in. The surging Maddie Moreau entered the match in the 76th minute for Jen Beattie.

Kundananji finally got her goal in the 83rd minute off of a great cross from Rachel Hill, making it 2-1 in favor of Utah with very limited time remaining. Ten minutes of stoppage time were awarded after the 90 minutes were completed, giving Bay FC a significant amount of time to get an equalizer.

Oshoala nearly got an equalizer in the final minute off of a corner kick, but Utah got another goal line clearance to maintain their lead and walk away with a 2-1 victory. Utah swept the season series, and as a result, Bay FC dropped important points to the team at the bottom of the table on two separate occasions.

Oakland A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: Nevada looking to spend more public money on Warner Bros Studios instead of public Schools; Like A’s ballpark a new tax will be created for studios

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Alexander Marks from Schools over Stadiums (above photo) and Chris Daly, political director of the Nevada State Education Association, attended the brief stadium board meeting to argue that the hiring of the LVCVA by the stadium board was a clear conflict that has been par for the course in a government process that saw the A’s receive the government money in lightning speed. Photo credit: Hugh Byrne/LVSportsBiz.com

On the Oakland A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel:

#1 According to Republican Governor Joe Lambardo saying Democrats” have been lying to Nevada families in need about free school meals for weeks.” Lombardo said that parents should see his open letter about free school meals. Lombardo is trying to show that the state is doing something with public money to help schools at the same time using public money for the A’s ballpark.

#2 On Tuesday Schools over Stadiums representative Alexander Marks said that while Lombardo claims he’s transparent then why does he refuse speak to the press about the free school meals budget when they’ve asked for public comment proves the point that the State of Nevada and the Lombardo are not being transparent.

#3 Also on Tuesday it was announced that a Nevada judge will rule if it’s legal to earmark $380 million in public funds to help fund the Las Vegas A’s ballpark on Las Vegas Blvd and Tropicana.

#4 Marks writes on X Tuesday that if the State of Nevada were to a write movie about having a fully funded school system with 20 students per class it would be a like a rated F movie that requires billionaires to build their own studios without public money after news broke that Warner Bros wants to build studios in Vegas if the Nevada State Legislature approves a film tax for the studios. More public money being used for studios and stadiums instead of public schools.

#5 Marks also mentioned Las Vegas Stadium Authority CEO Steven Hill in last week’s meeting regarding the financial progress of the A’s paying for their share of the ballpark that “We’re rounding third and headed for home. There are not many open issues left.” Marks countered by writing on Schools over Stadiums X page, “Except for financing, final renderings, actual stadium location, the constitutional lawsuit, the 2026 referendum…yup very few open issues left”

Join Daniel Dullum for the Oakland A’s Relocation podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: A’s in fourth can they catch Rangers for third? Series with Brewers opens tonight at Coliseum

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Oakland A’s starter Osvaldo Bido was dealing pitching into the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at the Oakland Coliseum on Thu Aug 22, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 The A’s who battled with the visiting Tampa Bay Rays avoided losing the series coming away with a 2-2 split at the Oakland Coliseum with a two run 3-1 win on Thursday afternoon.

#2 A’s starter Osvaldo Bido threw five solid innings striking out six hitters and picked up his third straight win.

#3 Lawrence Butler, Miguel Andujar, and Darell Hernaiz each had two hits a piece to help contribute to the cause. The A’s with some key hits helped get this win over a very competitive Rays team.

#4 A’s manager Mark Kotsay said about Bido’s pitching performance, “I tip my cap to Bido for making those adjustments and being able to repeat them. I think that’s why we’re seeing the success we are.”

#5 The A’s are now in fourth place in the AL West just four game behind the Rangers for third place are they good and competitive enough the way you see it to move into third place?

#6 The A’s will open a three game series against the Milwaukee Brewers starting tonight at the Coliseum. Starting pitcher for the Brewers RHP Aaron Civale (4-8, ERA 4.78) going for the A’s LHP JP Sears (10-8, ERA 4.15) first pitch at 6:40pm PT.

Jeremiah Salmonson is an Oakland A’s analyst at http://www.sportsradioservice.com